Definition
Gordon's Gin is a brand of London dry gin that is produced and marketed by Diageo. It is widely recognized as a standard gin used in mixed drinks and is one of the best-selling gin brands worldwide.
Overview
The brand originated in London in 1769 when Alexander Gordon, a Scottish distiller, began producing gin for the British market. Over more than two and a half centuries, Gordon's Gin has expanded from a local spirit to an internationally distributed product. The gin is bottled at 37.5 % to 44 % alcohol by volume (ABV), most commonly at 40 % ABV, and is sold in a distinctive green bottle with a white label. Gordon's is frequently employed in classic cocktails such as the gin and tonic, the martini, and the Tom Collins. As of the early 2020s, the brand holds a leading position in the global gin market, with annual sales measured in the hundreds of millions of bottles.
Etymology/Origin
The name derives from the surname of its founder, Alexander Gordon. The use of “Gordon’s” with the possessive apostrophe reflects the historical practice of branding spirits after their creator or distillery owner. The term “gin” comes from the Dutch word jenever, itself derived from the French genièvre (juniper), the primary botanical flavoring in the spirit.
Characteristics
- Style: London dry gin, defined by the absence of added sweeteners after distillation and a dominant juniper profile.
- Alcohol Content: Typically 40 % ABV (some markets offer 37.5 % or 44 % ABV variants).
- Botanicals: The core botanical is juniper berries; additional botanicals include coriander seed, angelica root, and citrus peel, among others, though the exact recipe is a proprietary trade secret.
- Distillation: Produced using a continuous column still, followed by dilution with water to achieve the final bottling strength.
- Flavor Profile: Crisp, dry, and lightly herbal with pronounced juniper, subtle citrus notes, and a clean finish.
- Packaging: Recognizable green glass bottle with a white label featuring the Gordon’s logo and the phrase “London Dry Gin.”
Related Topics
- London dry gin (category of gin)
- Diageo (parent company)
- Alexander Gordon (founder)
- Gin and tonic (popular mixed drink)
- History of gin in the United Kingdom
- Other major gin brands (e.g., Tanqueray, Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire)